Bruce gives Bramble his backing

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has given his backing to defender Titus Bramble after he was questioned by police over an allegation of rape.

The 29-year-old has been released on bail after being arrested at a Newcastle hotel yesterday.

Chairman Niall Quinn last night backed the player, and Bruce joined him today.

The manager said: “As far as Titus is concerned, the one thing he wants to do is play football.

“He was in training this morning. He is a resilient so-and-so.

“We want the matter cleared up as soon as we possibly can and I reiterate what the chairman has put out, how we are fully supportive of him and we will stand right behind him.

“It is obviously unfortunate what has happened and it gets bad publicity and bad press for the club, which nobody wants to see.

“But we are absolutely adamant that Titus has done nothing wrong. If there is anything he has done wrong, then he has had a night out when he shouldn’t have.”